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Africa Loses a Worker

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 14, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 2.

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Africa Loses a Worker

By W. A. Spicer

LAST week our brethren in Cape Town, South Africa, penned, with heavy hearts, we know, the sad message that came to us by cable, “Watson dead, fever.” The reports from Brother J. H. Watson, of Nyassaland, which have lately been appearing in the REVIEW, so full of courage and information, make it difficult to realize the sad fact that the writer has laid down his work at the Master’s feet, and that our hearts are now bound to Nyassaland by a new and tender tie. In the last issue of the old year we printed his message that away in the heart of Africa the workers felt the impulse of this new time. “As the glad notes of ‘Homeward bound’ came echoing down the line,” he wrote, “we are assured that the land of promise is in view.” Now he awaits the entry to that land under the blessed benediction for this time. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: ‘Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.’” Our sympathies are with the wife and little one and others who are so sadly bereaved. We are glad that this mission station is under the supervision of the South African Union Conference, so that provision may be made for the work without long delays. Brother T. H. Branch and family were associated with Brother and Sister Watson in the work at this station. One of the hard things to the missionary in the distant fields is the fear that in case of failing health or death others will be deterred from stepping in to fill up the ranks. So it has ever been in the story of missionary anxiety. But we thank God that loyal hearts are ever ready to catch up the standard that drops from the hands of a falling comrade. If the South African Union Conference finds it necessary to call for another helper from America, hearts will certainly respond, for the message is to be quickly carried. In a recent letter Brother Watson wrote: “I am satisfied that this great continent of Africa is not to be warned of the coming of the Lord without much hard work and some real sacrifice. But so many seem to think that the Lord will perform wonderful miracles while we stand by and look on and see the results.”
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.